France captain Hugo Lloris has declared that an improved Ukraine side will present a strong test of their World Cup credentials tonight, predicting a fierce encounter between the two teams in tonight's first leg.
Les Bleus go into the two-legged tie as favourites to earn a place in next summer's South American showpiece, but face a Ukraine whom England failed to beat on two occasions during their qualifying campaign.
Lloris believes that France must earn the right to play in Kiev this evening by matching their opponents for desire and physical presence, predicting a "battle" with so much at stake.
He told reporters: "It will be a battle. Before thinking about playing, we need to think about imposing ourselves physically.
"Collectively, they play better football. We know what to expect."
The Tottenham Hotspur stopper is due to play for the first time since being knocked unconscious at Everton earlier this month, after being passed fit for international duty earlier this week.
No Data Analysis info
Netherlands
Senegal
Ecuador
Qatar
England
USA
Iran
Wales
Argentina
Poland
Mexico
Saudi Arabia
France
Australia
Tunisia
Denmark
Japan
Spain
Germany
Costa Rica
Morocco
Croatia
Belgium
Canada
Brazil
Switzerland
Cameroon
Serbia
Portugal
South Korea
Uruguay
Ghana